IT’S A SWEET AND SHORT RIDE THROUGH A BEAUTIFUL PLACE
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HISTORY
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The Kandyan Manor stands on a small hillock in Yatiwawala, secluded and surrounded by well tended gardens and a few acres of lush shrub jungles that borders on village rice paddies, in a typical hill country rural environment. Legend has it that early in the 19th century, the last King of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, while fleeting from traitorous chieftains seeking to hand him over to the British invaders, passed through the Walauwe ( Manor) on his way to take shelter in the nearby Buddhist temple now known as “ Sri Rajasingaramaya” in memory of this event and the many royal endowments made by the king to it. The road leading to Kandyan Manor, passing this 400 year historic old beautiful temple is also named after him, Sri Rajasingharamaya Mawatha.
The Kandyan Manor is a traditional Walauwe, which has been home to six generations of a family originating from Harispattuwa District. The incarnation of the Kandyan Manor which existed during King Wikrama Rajasinghe’s time, was built by Loku Banda Rambukwelle, who hailed from a Kandyan background. One of the districts is still proud to carry the name Rambukwelle due to the respect the family had earned for many years. His manor was then known as “Rambukwelle” Walauwe” in keeping with the tradition of the day where the homes of dignitaries in society carried their name.
In early February 2011 Loku Banda Rambukwelle’s great grandson Bhathiya and his wife converted their ancestral manor to a Homestay and renamed it the Kandyan Manor after returning from Mauritius.
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THE GENERATIONS
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First - Loku Banda Rambukwella - married Loku Kumarihamy from Sirimalwatte.
Second – It’s ownership passed down to his son Abhayaratne Banda (AB) Rambukwelle – married Senehelatha Eknaligoda Mutteuwagama from Ratnapura. (gem city). AB Rambukwelle who was in the police service retired from Superintendent of Police North Western Province – based in Kurunegala that was part of the old Kandyan kingdom. The couple was blessed with two daughters.
Third – Samudra and Sagarica Rambukwelle. Samudra the elder daughter was married to Lawrence Newell Leuke Ratwatte from a leading Kandyan family from Aranayake Mawanella.
Fourth- Their only son Bhathiya Dewavanse Abhayaratne Leuke Ratwatte married Suzanne Arnolda.
Fifth – They were blessed with two sons and a daughter, Sharana, Jagdesh and Ishika Ratwatte.
Sixth- Niketh Ratwatte the only son of Sharana and Shahima Kamileen of the fifth generation.
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OUR HOME STAY
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Wake up in a traditional home located just five kilo meters away from the noisy city. Listen to the chirps and songs at sunrise and observe an amazing variety of rare and colourful birds in this alluring and cozy atmosphere in tranquil surroundings. Experience the warmth and uniqueness of a family’s own house, immerse in the local habits and culture by participating in the daily life of a local. Eat their local food, ask for a cooking lesson, learn how to cook a complete meal on firewood in a traditional old kitchen built in the 19th century, go back home and serve your friends at home your favourite “local dish” or take the trails the locals take and let the journey through this sweet and short beautiful place remain as memories to a traveler be cherished.
A trip to the Kandyan Manor is an opportunity to feast on its rich, melting- pot cuisine, prepared by Suzy and her team. Characterized by lots of fragrant spices, coconut in some form or another.
Discover a taste of Sri Lankan home cooked meals to add to the authenticity of experience. A variety of different dishes from rice and curry, string hoppers, kotthu, pittu, coconut roti’s and hoppers, all served with mild or spicy curries twisted with Suzy’s cooking methods.
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KANDYAN STYLES
IN A
FINE BLEND OF
THE
OLD WITH THE NEW
